Gene expression regulations by long noncoding RNAs and their roles in cancer.

Cancers are deadly diseases. The general mystery of carcinogenesis, primary and acquired drug resistance and distant organ metastasis are still puzzles to be solved. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are receiving more and more attention in recent years since their roles in transcriptional regulation have been unveiled. Detailed functional annotations of lncRNAs have showed that their regulatory roles are largely determined by their binding partners. LncRNAs directly bind to DNA, RNA and proteins and regulate gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. Here we review the current understanding of molecular functions of lncRNAs, will emphasize on their binding partners and summarize their biological roles in cancer.

A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials to Compare Long-Term Outcomes of Nissen and Toupet Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

AIM: In recent years, several studies with large sample sizes and recent follow-up data have been published comparing outcomes between laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. It is now timely to be re-evaluated and synthesized long-term efficacy and adverse events of both total and partial posterior fundoplication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic searches for RCTs comparing the outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication were performed in the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials. The data of evaluation in positive and adverse results of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication were extracted and compared using meta-analysis. RESULTS: 13 RCTs were ultimately identified involving 814 (52.05%) and 750 (47.95%) patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication, respectively. The operative time, perioperative complications, postoperative satisfaction, recurrence, and the rates of medication adoption or re-operation due to recurrence were not significantly different between two groups. The two types of fundoplication both reinforced the anti-reflux barrier and elevated the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. However, rates of adverse results involving dysphasia, gas-bloat syndrome, inability to belch and re-operation due to severe dysphasia were significantly higher after LNF. In the subgroup analysis of wrap length≤2 cm, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was associated with a significantly higher incidence of postoperative dysphagia. However, in the subgroup wrap length>2 cm, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication might be the better surgery approach for gastroesophageal reflux disease with a lower rate of postoperative adverse results and equal effectiveness as Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.